Who is Raila Odinga? Where is Raila Odinga Right Now? Is Raila Odinga Hospitalized?
by Abinaya
Updated Jul 20, 2023
Who is Raila Odinga?
Raila Amolo Odinga is a prominent Kenyan politician born on January 7, 1945. He has played significant roles in Kenyan politics and has held various high-level positions throughout his career. Odinga served as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013 and was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Langata Constituency from 1992 to 2013. Since 2013, he has been the Leader of the Opposition in Kenya, making him a key figure in the country's political landscape.
Currently, he is the leader of the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party. Odinga's political journey has been marked by multiple attempts to become the President of Kenya. He has run for the presidency five times, but unfortunately, none of his attempts have been successful. In each election, Odinga has claimed electoral fraud, adding controversy and tension to the political climate.
His first bid for the presidency was in 1997 as the candidate of the National Development Party (NDP), where he finished third. He tried again in 2007 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but lost to Mwai Kibaki. In subsequent elections, Odinga represented different coalitions, including the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), National Super Alliance (NASA), and Azimio la Umoja.
However, in 2013, 2017, and 2022, he secured the position of runner-up. Despite his electoral defeats, Odinga has remained persistent in his pursuit of political change and has continuously advocated for fair and transparent elections. After each loss, he has filed petitions against the declared winners, citing electoral irregularities.
In 2017, he filed a petition against President-elect William Ruto, taking the case to the Supreme Court of Kenya. Although the court ruled against him, Odinga showed respect for the judicial process and accepted the decision.
Where is Raila Odinga Right now?
As of the current situation, Raila Odinga, the opposition leader in Kenya, is leading demonstrations against the high cost of living and tax hikes in the country. The protests, which started on Wednesday and are expected to continue until Friday, mark the third round of demonstrations called by the opposition this month.
Raila Odinga's Azimio opposition party has called for its supporters to gather at specific locations in the capital city of Nairobi, including Huruma grounds, Kangemi grounds, and Central Park, to voice their grievances regarding the economic challenges faced by the people. During the protests on Wednesday, there were clashes between the demonstrators and the police, leading to the arrest of at least 300 people.
The situation escalated with reports of gunshots, and some individuals were possibly injured or killed. Senior opposition leaders were among those arrested as tensions flared during the demonstrations. Raila Odinga has been vocal about the need for the people's voices to be heard, calling for peaceful protests as a means to address the issues affecting the population.
He has accused the government, led by President William Ruto, of contributing to the rising cost of living and consolidating power. Odinga has repeatedly urged his followers to engage in acts of civil disobedience as a form of protest. President William Ruto's administration has been facing criticism for the soaring prices of basic commodities under its rule.
The government contends that higher taxes are necessary to address the mounting debt and support initiatives for job creation and economic growth. Raila Odinga's political history includes several election losses, including the most recent one in August of the previous year. Throughout his career, he has often negotiated with those in power to secure senior positions in government following periods of unrest.
Is Raila Odinga Hospitalized?
No, Raila Odinga is not Hospitalized. Winnie Odinga, the daughter of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, has refuted the rumors circulating about her father's hospitalization. In response to a tweet on Wednesday evening, she clarified that Raila Odinga is in good health and not hospitalized. The rumors had claimed that he was admitted to a city hospital, and well-wishers expressed their hopes for his recovery.
Dennis Itumbi, who had mentioned the supposed hospitalization of Raila Odinga in his tweet, had advised him to take three-day bed rest as recommended by his cardiologist. He also humorously remarked that if Raila Odinga wanted tear gas, it was fine too, in reference to the ongoing anti-government protests.
Earlier, Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance, had called for a temporary halt to the anti-government protests at 5 p.m. However, he assured that the peaceful demonstrations against tax hikes and the rising cost of living would resume on Thursday morning. In an exclusive interview with Taifa Leo, Raila Odinga emphasized the importance of defending Kenyan citizens' rights and thanked them for participating in the protests.
Despite the temporary suspension, Raila Odinga reaffirmed the opposition's determination to persist in their peaceful advocacy and vowed not to lose hope. The demonstrations are part of the ongoing efforts to address economic challenges and advocate for the rights of the people.
Is Raila Odinga Alive?
Raila Odinga is alive. Odinga's health condition is said to be stable, and he is expected to make a full recovery. Raila Odinga is a prominent Kenyan politician who has held significant roles in the country's political landscape.
He served as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013 and is currently the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), one of the major political parties in Kenya.
Raila Odinga House in Karen
Raila Odinga's house in Karen is an impressive and luxurious property that exudes elegance and comfort. The house is situated on a spacious piece of land, providing ample room for various amenities and features. It is evident that Odinga takes great pride in his home, which he considers a serene and private sanctuary.
The exterior of the house is adorned with red brick, giving it a distinctive and classic appearance. A standout feature is the large, white balcony that offers stunning views of the surrounding gardens, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. The property boasts additional recreational facilities, including a well-maintained swimming pool and a tennis court, catering to Odinga's leisure activities and ensuring an active lifestyle.
Inside, the house is designed in a modern style, characterized by high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light to flood the rooms. The spacious living room serves as a focal point for relaxation and social gatherings, while the dining room provides a comfortable setting for family meals and entertaining guests. The property encompasses several bedrooms, offering ample space for Odinga and his family.
Located in the upscale neighborhood of Karen, the house enjoys a tranquil and secure environment. Karen is renowned as a wealthy suburb of Nairobi, attracting affluent residents, including politicians and celebrities. The area is known for its top-notch security measures, providing an exclusive and protected living experience for its residents.
Who is Raila Odinga - FAQ
Raila Amolo Odinga is a prominent Kenyan politician who has held significant roles in Kenyan politics, including serving as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and being the Leader of the Opposition since 2013.
Raila Odinga is leading demonstrations against the high cost of living and tax hikes in Kenya. The protests have been ongoing in Nairobi, with calls for peaceful protests to address economic challenges.
No, Raila Odinga is not currently hospitalized. His daughter, Winnie Odinga, refuted the rumors of his hospitalization and stated that he is in good health.
Yes, Raila Odinga is alive. He was hospitalized due to chest pains on July 18, 2023, but has since been discharged and is expected to make a full recovery.
Raila Odinga's house in Karen is located in a quiet and wealthy suburb of Nairobi, known for its security and affluent residents. The house is described as luxurious, with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, tennis court, and stunning gardens.